The report also listed goals for the department in 2007, with the priority being keeping firefighters injury-free.

The department also is looking into implementing a wellness program for firefighters, as cardiovascular incidents are the number one killer of firefighters nationwide.

Purchase of an aerial truck to replace Engine 2 in the first quarter of 2007 is a priority already underway, with studies by the department and a civilian committee making recommendations to the board.

The board and the department also will be looking at minimum staffing guidelines in 2007 to determine at what level the department will find it necessary to hire full-time firefighters to fully complement trucks deployed to fires.

Department officials told the board that while trucks will always respond to fire calls, the ability of firefighters to aggressively attack a fire depends on the number of personnel on scene.

Dan Olsen can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207, or dolsen@craigdailypress.com.